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Dr. Mary Perrodin-Singh is the Assistant Dean of Graduate Education at Gallaudet University and a higher education leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing educational excellence for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. A proud member of an eight-generation Black Deaf family, she is passionate about leadership, mentorship, equity, and student success. Dr. Perrodin-Singh holds a doctorate in Deaf Studies from Lamar University and has dedicated her career to developing inclusive academic programs and empowering future leaders. She frequently presents on Deaf education, leadership, Black Deaf experiences, and strategies that foster collaboration, advocacy, and meaningful institutional change.

Evon Black is the Associate Director of the Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University and an alumna of the Arkansas School for the Deaf. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master's degree in Educational Technology, and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Special Education. A nationally recognized storyteller, educator, keynote speaker, and advocate, she brings more than 40 years of leadership serving Deaf communities. Evon was the first Black Deaf student elected Student Body Government Vice President at Gallaudet University and later served as President of the National Black Deaf Advocates (2017–2019). She leads nationally recognized initiatives that preserve Black Deaf history, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen community engagement. CBDS's major documentation initiatives this year include the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) Archives Project and the Black Deaf Orphan Documentation Project. Through research, storytelling, leadership, and collaboration, Evon is committed to preserving Black Deaf history while inspiring future generations and advancing equity in education and the Deaf community.